What is the Training Like?

OUR COMMUNITY

A New Family:

Because of the immersion style of the training, the trainees and faculty not only study together, but often we live together. We have time to get to know each other – our dreams and challenges, fears and edges.

Some of the most important work happens over a cup of coffee on a cool Autumn morning in the mountains, or sipping wine watching the sun set over the Oregon coast. We cook together, study together, and dance together.

early morning tango

nothing like chocolate!

our jack-o-lanterns

on the sand in Mexico

a toast!

Our time together has a spaciousness which allows for long walks on the beach, time playing on the slack rope, and many hours of informal practice together.

walking the slack line

playing at the beach

enjoying the sunset

discussions at the campfire in Victoria

Everyone works on the same material at whatever level they are currently at. A fourth year student will have both different skills and different challenges than a first year student. Everyone mentors everyone. Many times another student can say “just the thing” someone else needs to hear. It really is a team effort.

People change during their time in the training. Trainees soon become a vital new support system for each other. Not only do they form strong professional relationships as the next generation of Contemporary Alexander Teachers, often they develop lifelong friendships.

honest exchanges

nap time

sharing moments

slumber party

lots of hugs

Our Extended Family

At least once each year, at the International Summer Retreat held in New Mexico at the beginning of August, we gather our larger family. Trainees from all of the CAS programs who may not ordinarily have the opportunity to study with each other come together at least this one time each year.

It is also an opportunity for trainees and graduates from the Japan and German schools to meet all of the CAS trainees. This helps build the international friendships which will form the base for the future generations of international exchange.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their partners, kids, parents, and friends to share a week of study and retreat. Classes are offered for every level of experience. Many activities include everyone – hikes while we do walking etudes, trips to the lake for swimming studies, even Alexander Game Night! There is also a Kid’s Camp so all of the kid’s also develop their own new friendships.Remove featured image

better than tv!

Alexander games

Our International Family

The international aspect of the Alexander Alliance ‘sister’ schools is a fundamental part of the program. It is built on close, longtime friendships between Robyn, Bruce, Midori, Sakiko, and Margarete. We are family for each other and we enjoy sharing that closeness with all of our students. That is why we have international retreats in each country each year.

Most CAS trainees study at the Japan or Germany schools, or both, sometime during their training – some people go multiple times. Trainees often travel with their families to the Japan and German schools as well. It is an excellent opportunity to study and travel, offering insights into different cultures, lifestyles, and landscapes.

You begin to have close friends in many parts of the world!

Ireland

Germany

New Mexico

Japan

New Mexico

OUR PHILOSOPHY

“The only thing we have to offer another being,

ever,

is our own state of being.”Ram Dass

This quote describes the underlying principle and essence of this Contemporary Alexander training program.

At its core, this training is about you….

…your own state of being, in relation to everything in your present moment, be that a lover, a student, an audience, a pet, a tree, a computer or yourself.

We notice, question, and transform our habitual ways of doing, thinking, and feeling.

It is a profound study of making conscious choices about who and how you are.

It allows you to make choices beyond rules or expectations.

It is truly life-altering, offering you the possibility, and responsibility, to fulfill your potential in every aspect of your life.

Expect to question everything.

Expect to awaken to your full presence and potential.

Then, and only then, will you be able to assist your students in their own transformation, without judgment, manipulation, or ego.

In this training, a ‘teacher’ is defined as ‘someone who has more questions’. Not someone with all of the answers. Through in-depth personal exploration into your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual patterns and beliefs, you will develop the tools to offer your student questions, insights, and choices that they have not yet considered or experienced.